Queensland Health

Free public dental clinics• Who is eligible for free dental care?

• Adults who have a current Pension, Healthcare or Seniors card

• Children:

− all children between the ages of 4 through to year 10

− students in year 11 and 12 who have a current Centrelink, Healthcare or Pension card

− 0-3 year olds whose parents have a current Centrelink, Healthcare or Pension card

− 2-17 year olds who are eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule.

How to keep your teeth

healthy

Between visits to a dental clinic, check your child’s teeth yourself.

Healthy children’s teeth.

Make a dental appointment now.

Make a dental appointment now.

Get urgent dental treatment NOW.

Babies’ teeth• Breast milk is best for babies and is the only food

and drink they need until they are about 6 months old.

• Do not put your baby to bed with a bottle.

• Only put milk or water in bottles.

• Start using a cup at 6 months and stop using a bottle by 12 months old.

Children’s teeth• Children’s first teeth are important and need to be

looked after carefully.

• You should help brush your child’s teeth until they are about 8 years old.

• Take your child to a dental clinic for their first checkup before they turn 2.

• There are public dental clinics that will not cost any money.

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Eat wellto keep your teeth healthy

Clean wellbrush your teeth in the morning and night

Drink welldrink tap water, it is safe and protects your teeth

Stay wellvisit the dentist once a year for a check-up and cleaning

Healthy options:vegetables, legumes, fruit, cheese, yogurt, bread or nuts.

Use fluoride toothpaste and a toothbrush with a small head and soft bristles.

Brushing your teeth and gums helps to reduce the amount of bacteria that can cause problems in your mouth.

Tap water is best. It contains fluoride, which helps to protect your teeth. Visit a dental clinic

for a check up, don’t wait until it hurts.

Avoid unhealthy sugary foods such as cake, biscuits, ice cream or chocolates.

Avoid sugary drinks such as, fruit juice, soft or fizzy drinks.